HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh government, which made tall claims about strictly implementing ‘helmet rule’ across the State from November 1, on the very first day itself put its decision on hold and it further decided to create awareness among people the need to wear helmets before bringing in to force the rule.
Transport Minister Sidda Raghava Rao informed that the proposed mandatory wearing of helmet from November 1 had been deferred till further order.
“No deadline has been fixed for enforcing of helmet rule,” he said.
In fact, earlier in the day, from Sunday morning itself, traffic police and transport department personnel had started enforcing the ‘helmet rule’, across the State. However, it created great uproar among bike riders over the way traffic police began issuing challans to those, who did not wear helmets.
After considering the mood of the majority of the commuters, the transport minister stepped in, with in few hours, and directed the officials not to cause inconvenience to the commuters. Instead, the minister asked the RTA officials to hold awareness campaigns across the State and then go for complete implementation of ‘helmet rule’.
“Step up awareness campaigns among public before making wearing of helmets mandatory,” the minister told the traffic officials.
In fact, the State government had earlier wanted to implement the compulsory helmet rule from July 1. But, because of Godavari Pushkarams, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, at that time, had asked the transport officials to postpone the enforcement of the rule till August 1. However, it was extended till November 1 later. And now, again it has been differed for one-more time.